« Multi-car crash briefly closes Rte. 95 in Warwick | Today | Today's front page »

January 30, 2007

Jury selection begins in police brutality case

PROVIDENCE -- Jury selection began today for the East Providence police officer accused of beating a handcuffed suspect almost two years ago.

Jason Francis, of 884 Putnam Pike, Glocester, an officer in East Providence since 2000, faces multiple criminal charges related to an incident inside police headquarters in February 2005. He has been suspended without pay since then.

Michael Healey, spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, said Francis kicked the suspect in the face while he was sitting with his hands cuffed behind his back. Healey said the suspect suffered a broken nose as a result.

Francis is charged with felony assault with a dangerous weapon (his boot) and writing a false police report.

Opening arguments are expected to begin as soon as tomorrow.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 6:55 PM | Permalink

Comments

Post a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email Address:

URL:
Remember Me? YesNo

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)